Town eyes on the prizes

DANNY Rowe is one of the outstanding young talents at Fleetwood Town, so was a fitting choice to hand out awards at the club’s junior presentation evening.

This inspiration for Town’s budding stars of tomorrow, who gave the Town management plenty of food for thought during his goal-strewn loan spell with Stockport County last year, was joined at the event by fellow striker Richard Brodie, who spent last season on loan at Highbury from Crawley Town and has won a Blue Square Bet Premier champions’ medal for the second successive season.

Rowe has been busy in the community since the end of the season, visiting many local schools with the champions’ trophy before Saturday’s event at Marine Hall.

Rowe said: “Events such as these are very important because they give players the chance to meet fans and show their appreciation of the support that they receive throughout the season.

“It’s brilliant to see so much enthusiasm amongst the youngsters.”

The new Robert Wilkinson Trophy was the main award of the evening, presented to the outstanding young player of the season.

Robert was a staunch Fleetwood Town supporter and heavily involved in the junior set-up before his death this year.

Naylor said: “Stephen has had a tremendous season, scoring 45 goals in 23 games. He has been ever-present at training and in matches, showing great dedication.

“I know Rob coached Stephen over the years, starting at the Saturday Morning Club, and then alongside me in the last year with the Under-11s.

“Rob deserves huge credit for his work at Fleetwood Town, and Stephen is just one name of whom Rob has looked after and helped bring through the ranks.”

The most celebrated team on the night were the Under-16s, who paraded three trophies as Blackpool and District Youth League champions, Hogan Cup winners and Southport Tournament winners.

Mike Deaville was named coach of the year for his work with the Under-14s.

Other Town boys’ teams with silverware to celebrate were the Under-10s (Southport Tournament winners), Under-11s (Youth League pizza division winners) and Under-14s (Hogan Plate winners).

After returning from a holiday in Spain, Rowe is now turning his attention to challenges ahead.

He said: “It’s a big season for everyone at the club and I want to make my contribution. I’ve started to do some fitness work again, including running round the De Vere Hotel and the Heron’s Reach golf course.”

Rowe, who also had a spell with Droylsden last season, will be looking for the opportunity to break into the side and excite the Cod Army.